Two More Cars

After Parker's birthday party yesterday, we headed over to Valencia to check out a couple more cars.

We definitely wanted to see the Rav4 since everyone seems to compare it to the CR-V. Of course, things started out a little tense when we turned into the parking lot and we encountered a salesman who thought he'd be cute and direct us into a parking space like an airplane coming in for a landing. Chris was definitely not in the mood so he parked in the space directly in front of us (not the one the guy was directing us to) then proceeded to tell the guy that he didn't want to talk to him (among other things). On the bright side, we did get a very nice salesman in the end.

Seeing the Mazda dealership at the end of the row, we also decided to check out what they had. Initial impression -- crappy mileage. But the Tribute Hybrid did catch my eye. Even though most of my driving is highway -- which doesn't get the benefit of the electric engine -- the vehicle does have a slightly better mpg compared to the other cars we've scene. Plus, I guess there are various credits associated with a hybrid purchase -- more research needed on that one.

So here are two more cars for the notebook:

2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited Front-wheel Drive 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Touring 4dr Front-wheel Drive Overview MSRP * $23,505 $25,310 Invoice * $21,742 $23,680 Engine 2.4L I-4 166 HP 2.3L I-4 133 HP Transmission 4-spd auto 2-spd CVT w/OD Fuel Economy City 21.0 mpg 34.0 mpg Fuel Economy Highway 27.0 mpg 30.0 mpg Bumper to Bumper Warranty (months/miles) 36/36,000 48/50,000

So far, the CR-V is still at the top of the list but the idea of a hybrid still intrigues me. I want to check out the Tribute sibling -- the Ford Escape Hybrid -- plus the selections offered by Subaru before I make a final decision.

Once again, holler if you have any car opinions.